Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, delivering juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy, golden crust infused with savory garlic and rich Parmesan cheese. Baked in the oven, it offers bold flavor and irresistible crispiness without deep frying, perfect for any meal or occasion.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 4-6 pieces)
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Other
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the coating stick better and ensure extra crispiness. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to build a well-balanced base flavor.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Toss well to distribute all seasonings evenly throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Brush each piece of chicken with olive oil or melted butter to moisten the surface, then firmly press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every inch is covered with the crust for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup promotes even cooking by allowing hot air to circulate and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is crispy and golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy inside.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry to ensure coating adheres properly and becomes crispy.
- Use a wire rack for baking to promote even crispiness all around.
- Brushing with oil or butter is essential for browning and crunch.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-grated cheese.
- Check meat temperature with a thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece (about 150g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan chicken, oven-fried chicken, crispy chicken, baked chicken, Parmesan crust, panko chicken, healthy fried chicken, garlic chicken